Weeks raced by in a whirlwind of textbooks and exams, transforming the academy into a hive of focused determination. I found myself immersed in my studies, my gray hair neatly tied back, but the space between Trent and me remained a palpable chasm.

Trent kept our interactions strictly academic, leaving no room for personal connection. Our conversations were short of any emotion, and I couldn't help but wonder what was hidden beneath his inscrutable exterior.

Samuel, however, made persistent attempts to be my "friend", often joining me in my studies, sharing insights, and engaging me in conversation.

As Samuel and I spent more time together, huddled over textbooks in the library or engrossed in deep discussions about our dreams and ambitions, I couldn't shake the feeling of déjà vu. It was as if I had walked this path before.

Amid all this, the silence between Trent and me remained unbroken. Our paths rarely crossed, but the emotions left unsaid hung heavily in the air.

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DINING HALL

The academy's dining area provided a temporary refuge from the pressure of exams. Laughter and chatter filled the room as students gathered, seeking a brief respite from their studies. The usual bonfire was replaced by students enjoying each other's company, sharing stories and lightening their burdens.

I sat with my friends at our regular table, my attention occasionally drifting toward Trent. Hannah's infectious laughter filled the air, and her lively spirit drew a rare smile from Senza, who was usually quite moody.

Samuel approached me, offering a plate of snacks with a friendly smile. "Hungry?"

I accepted the plate with a soft smile. "Thanks, Samuel."

As the evening ended, I went to my room, lost in thought about the events of the night. The exam period had not only tested my academic prowess but also compelled me to confront my emotions.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Just as I gazed out of my window at the moonlit landscape, the door to my room swung open, revealing Hannah and Bri. Their entrance hinted at an exciting revelation.

"Elise, we're having a study session in the common room. Are you in?" Hannah's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Bri added with a wry grin, "You know the tradition, even during exams."

I chuckled and nodded. "Sure, count me in."

The common room was bathed in warm lamplight, and I found myself among a sea of focused students, scattered study materials, and an atmosphere of unity amid the stress of exams.

Hannah's curiosity got the better of her, and she leaned forward. "Elise, spill the tea! What's going on between you and Samuel?"

Bri's eyes widened, silently urging caution. But the question was out. I chuckled, amused. "Hannah, you're something else."

Hannah's grin widened. "Oh, come on, don't leave us hanging!"

I raised my hand, a warm smile on my lips. "Alright, alright. I'll share."

"In all honesty, nothing significant has happened between Samuel and me," I began. "I suppose he's been feeling guilty about how things ended... you know, before the whole explosion and powers thing."

Bri asked, "You know, I never asked... Why did you two break up?"

"He cheated on me with a junior," I let out a sigh. "Come to think of it, I never told him I found out. I just ended things when I woke up."

"So, he doesn't know that you know?!" Hannah's voice rose in surprise.

I pushed a strand of hair behind my ear. "I guess you could say that."

Hannah chirped excitedly, pushing her textbook aside. "Wow, this is way more interesting than human anatomy."

Bri instinctively asked, "Are you ever going to tell him?"

I tried to wrap up the topic. "I mean... does it really matter now? Let bygones be bygones, right?" But the thought of not revealing the reason for our breakup tugged at my heart with a pang of guilt.

Hannah trailed off, "I guess so," and then, out of the blue, she added, "What's the deal with Trent, though? The way he looks at you sometimes, I can't tell if he wants to kill you or kiss you."

The conversation took an unexpected turn to Trent, causing me to cough fitfully, but Max intervened, steering the topic away.

Clearing her throat, Max's tone was both firm and gentle. "Alright, girls, let's get back to studying. We're here to support each other through exams."

The room's energy shifted, and we returned to our studies, leaving unanswered questions hanging in the air.

As the night wore on, I found myself lost in thoughts, appreciating the bonds that connected us. With each passing moment, the burden of exams felt a bit lighter, a testament to the strength of our friendship

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